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Cognitive Mercantilism: AI panic likened to early capitalism fears

Original: Cognitive Mercantilism: AI panic resembles fears of early capitalism

Venkatesh Rao argues that today's anxiety over artificial intelligence echoes the moral panics that surrounded the rise of early capitalism and mercantilism. Writing on his Contraptions blog, he suggests fears about cognitive labor, wealth concentration, and AI-driven trade follow a familiar historical pattern of societies reacting to new economic orders.

Why now: Ongoing public anxiety about AI's economic and social impact is prompting comparisons with earlier historical transitions.

Venkatesh Raoartificial intelligence

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